Whether you're sketching your first storyboard, polishing your manuscript, or already have published works under your belt, this series is designed to meet you where you are. From aspiring illustrators to established authors, we've crafted sessions that will help illuminate your unique path in the publishing world.
SCBWI members enjoy special pricing:
Register now to secure your spot in this valuable professional development series!
Webinars will be recorded and available to registrants for 30 days after the date of the webinar.
Speakers: Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal
When: Thursday, March 20, 2025 (7:00-8:15 pm MST)
Summary: Join Bianca Schulze in a curated conversation with two extraordinary talents in children's literature—where you get to ask the questions you've been burning to have answered! Caldecott honorees Molly Idle (Flora and the Flamingo, Witch Hazel) and Juana Martinez-Neal (Alma and How She Got Her Name, Fry Bread) will share their creative journeys and processes. This thoughtfully structured session will explore the bookmakers' personal and artistic paths, and will answer the questions you have that will help you design unique paths for your career, and yourself! Submit your questions in advance via Google form and be part of this intimate conversation with two of the industry's most celebrated author-illustrators.
To register for Session 1 individually, rather than the entire series of four webinars, click here.
Speaker: Jo Knowles
When: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 (7:00-8:00 pm MST)
Summary: This workshop will explore the power of strong beginnings, whether in picture book, novel, memoir, or graphic novel format. How do authors hook the reader on the very first page? What kind of risks must they take in order to achieve a quick connection? We'll look at published texts with powerful, brave beginnings to study what makes them work. We'll also create new first pages to put what we've learned to the test! Get ready to be brave—and have fun!
To register for Session 2 individually, rather than the entire series of four webinars, click here.
Speaker: Rajani LaRocca
When: Thursday, May 1, 2025 (7:00-8:00 pm MST)
Summary: The key to writing a successful book is to make it unique—to tell a story in a way that only you can. But how do you mine your own life and experiences for stories while still keeping them fresh? Newbery Honor and Walter Award-winning author Rajani LaRocca talks about her author journey and uses specific examples from her books to inspire people to dig deep and write their own stories.
To register for Session 3 individually, rather than the entire series of four webinars, click here.
Speaker: Karen A. Chase
When: Thursday, May 22, 2025 (7:00-8:00 pm MST)
Summary: Every author needs an author-centered (not book-centered) marketing plan, regardless of how you publish, how many books you have, or in which genre. That plan also defines the tools necessary to build engagement through each subsequent book. In this class, we'll help participants understand brand and marketing plans, including a defined network/audience, a platform-tools list, and marketing outlets. We'll also discuss how to manage writing time versus marketing time. It's all to help you be the boss of your author career.
To register for Session 4 individually, rather than the entire series of four webinars, click here.